The Algerian Ministry of Commerce issued on 10 March 2010 a new Decree ((Décretexecutifn°10-89) that introduces new approval mechanisms for the exemption from import duties foreseen in free-trade agreements. The new procedures oblige exporters to Algeria to submit documents, including invoice as well as legal and fiscal documents, to the Direction régionale du commerce, which is supposed to issue import authorizations within 30 days from the date of request.The new provision introduces to a new system of non-automatic licenses ("statistical licenses" as defined in the Decree), which introduces heavy administrative burdens and thereby discriminates against foreign commercial interests.